If you’re planning to spend a few days in Normandy, we recommend a stopover at Château de Crèvecœur. In the heart of the Pays d’Auge, some 20km west of Lisieux, this ancient manor house is well worth a visit.
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to Château de Crèvecœur in Normandy.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is a visit to Château de Crèvecœur worthwhile?
Yes, the castle is well worth a visit. This small, extremely well-preserved seigneury is one of our favorite castles in Normandy. We loved the fortifications and timber-framed buildings of this medieval site, where you can discover the daily life of the lords of the time. It’s also a very pleasant place, with lawns and gardens.
What you can see
The 16th-century porter’s house
We liked its two circular turrets hidden in the greenery. They are topped by a pepperpot roof, giving them a fairytale look. The chequered brick first floor and timber-framed first floor add to the charm of this small building.
The gatehouse was originally that of the ancient Château de Beuvillers (near Lisieux). It has been relocated and is now used as a reception area and store.
The farm’s half-timbered walls
Once past the gatehouse, above the moat, we discovered the timber-framed walls of the farm buildings. The first features a porch leading to the farmyard.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
The farmyard
It’s a large grassy expanse bordered by several buildings: the farm itself, a dovecote, a barn and the château with its drawbridge and high walls.
The farmers’ room
Inside the farmhouse, we discovered the peasant room. There we found a model of the site. It gave us a good understanding of the configuration of the different buildings.
There were also period objects and tools, as well as reconstructions of scenes from daily life.
The square 1500-bolt dovecote
In the extension to the farmhouse, the square dovecote surprised us. Dovecotes in Normandy are generally circular or hexagonal.
The tithe barn
The original building was demolished at the end of the 19th century. It was used as a barn andstable. It was rebuilt in 1970. We particularly appreciated theharmonious half-timbering of the 3 farmyard buildings.
Enclosures and henhouse
At the south end of the barn, we could see the pens, sheepfold and henhouse.
The bread oven
Amidst the equipment, a bread oven has been reconstructed. Its vaulted ceiling is made of cob and mud brick. We learned that it was once built by the lord to allow peasants to bake their bread in exchange for a levy.
The castle chapel
This is the lord’s chapel. It has all the hallmarks ofRomanesque art. Here, it’s built on an intermediate courtyard, whereas in other châteaux we’ve visited, it’s located in the upper courtyard.
Inside, we really admired the barrel vaulting above the stained glass windows.
The castle walls
Above another line of moats rise the castle’s high walls. We were able to make out the roof and openings of the seigniorial dwelling.
The drawbridge
To reach the high courtyard, we crossed a wooden bridge leading to the stone structure (high walls and gate) that once housed the drawbridge.
The seigniorial dwelling
The dwelling is partly half-timbered, as are the farmyard buildings. It is built right into the wall and has two storeys.
On the first floor, we found theservice area, now used as an exhibition space. We had to go upstairs to discover the reception area and private apartments.
We then enjoyed the gardens, vegetable patch and orchard.
WHERE TO STAY IN Caen
Option 1: in the old town center
We recommend..:
- Hotel Best Western Plus Le moderne not far from the castle – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel La Fontaine also near the castle – see prices, photos and availability
- B&B Les Chambres de L’Abbaye, near Abbaye-aux-Hommes – see prices, photos and availability
Option 2: to Ouistreham
To sleep more in the countryside or near the beach (15 to 20min from Rouen). We recommend..:
- Hotel Manoir Hastings and its stone houses – see prices, photos and availability.
- Hotel La Mare Ô Poissons and its swimming pool – see prices, photos and availability
Option 3: near the port or station
We recommend..:
- Campanile hotel next to the station – see prices, photos and availability.
Château de Crèvecœur in Normandy: how to get there
Where to find Château de Crèvecœur
- In Mézidon Vallée d’Auge, Calvados – the Pays d’Auge region
- 25min from Lisieux
Access by car and parking
A parking lot is provided at the entrance to the site.
Public transport access
There is a bus network in the area, but you’ll be limited in terms of times and possibilities to reach Crèvecœur.
Visiting difficulties
The stairs in the dwelling are cramped, making access difficult for people with reduced mobility. The site is therefore not fully accessible. Check details on the official website here.
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities in Normandy
- Helicopter flight over the cliffs of the Côte d’Albâtre
- Book your time to visit Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey
- Take a microlight flight over Mont-Saint-Michel
- Climb the Via Ferrata in Switzerland Normandy
Visit Château de Crèvecœur: useful tips
Schedules and prices
The castle is open:
- March 30 to June 30: daily, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- July and August: daily, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- September: daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- in October: Sundays only from 2 to 6 p.m.
- during the All Saints’ vacation period, daily from 2pm to 6pm
Annual closure after the All Saints’ vacation
Be sure to check out the latest news on the official website here before your visit.
Rates:
- adult: €9
- children aged 7 to 18: €5
- free for children under 7
For other prices, more info here.
How long
Allow around 1 hour for a tour of the castle.
Best moment
In summer, we advise you to visit in the morning, as it will be less crowded. In any case, check the weather forecast and try to avoid rain, as much of the tour is outdoors.
Direction of visit
There’s no set direction for the tour, but we started in the farmyard and worked our way up to the château.
Visiting with children
There are many activities, animations and fun trails dedicated to children, as well as an audioguide for them. Find out more here.
Eating out
Fresh drinks, teas, coffees and food products (cookies, shortbread, sweets) are available at reception.
Hotels
Less than 20 minutes north of the village of Crèvecœur-en-Auge, we chose theHôtel Château de la Bribourdière. Located in a beautiful manor house, it offers a peaceful, bucolic setting. See photos, prices and availability – and book!
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Normandy
Inspiration destinations
- Deciding where to go in Normandy – the best destinations
- Our weekend ideas: best-of, romantic, unusual, seaside, luxury, family
- 16 seaside hotels in Normandy
- The most beautiful charming hotels in Normandy
Best of
Practice
- Where to stay in Normandy – best places and hotels
- See our tips for renting a car at CDG airport, Orly airport, Beauvais airport, Caen, Rouen, Bayeux…
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
